Syrian troops storm town near border with Turkey

Syrian troops storm town near border with Turkey

2011-06-19 03:31:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

DAMASCUS (BNO NEWS) -- Syrian security forces on Saturday stormed the northern town of Bdama near the Turkish border in an attempt to crush the popular uprising, CNN reported.

A Syrian activist told CNN that troops equipped with at least six tanks, 21 armed personnel carriers, and 10 security buses entered the town and randomly fired at houses. Security forces also closed roads leading to the border.

Jameel Saib, an eyewitness near the Turkish border, told CNN that if Bdama is taken, displaced Syrians will have no access to medicine, clean water, and other supplies. Saib added that Turkish helicopters were flying in the area, but CNN could not verify on which side of the border the helicopters were operating.

Meanwhile, the British government on Saturday advised its citizens to leave Syria now and not travel there. "British Nationals should leave now by commercial means whilst these are still operating," an updated travel advice said.

"Those who choose to remain in Syria, or to visit against our advice should be aware that it is highly unlikely that the British Embassy in Damascus would be able to provide a normal consular service in the event of a further breakdown in law and order and increased violent civil disorder," a UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said.

The town of Jisr al-Shughour, near the Syrian-Turkish border, has been the scene of violent fighting between security forces and anti-government protesters, some of them whom were armed. Amnesty International said that at least 120 people were killed since last week in what was labeled as "one of the bloodiest weekends in months of pro-reform demonstrations."

Syria has repeatedly claimed that the violent acts have been instigated by terrorists who use military uniforms and weaponry to pose as soldiers while attacking citizens. However, Syrian asylum seekers claimed that the security forces have perpetrated violent attacks on civilians and protesters.

The Turkish government said on Saturday that more than 10,000 Syrians have crossed the border. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has assured shelter for asylum seekers and vowed to keep the border crossing with Syria open.

Human rights activists say more than 1,400 Syrians have been killed and thousands more have been detained since the unrest began in mid-March. Pro-democracy demonstrations have continued across the country, which has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963. Protesters are demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over from his father in 2000.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-19